The Tour will premier four new films starring climbing icons as they attempt to achieve their lifelong ambitions in far-flung locations, from icy Antarctica to the Bedouin canyonlands of the Middle East. And with climbing announced as a new sport for the 2020 Olympics, the film Up to Speed delves into the little-known discipline of speed climbing.
“With jaw-dropping action, soulful journeys and rollicking humour, this annual global event sets the standard for climbing films,” says Tour Director Nell Teasdale.
Big names include Adam Ondra, known as the Czech crusher, as he explores a new realm of human potential in climbing in Age of Ondra. And Savannah Cummins, Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright are among a dream team of six elite climbers mounting an expedition to one of the world's last great climbing frontiers: the remote frozen towers of Antarctica.
As well as four thrilling films, each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win climbing goodies.
Originating in the United States, the Reel Rock Film Tour is now in its 13th year, and 2018 is the seventh time it has visited the UK and Ireland.
For more information and tickets, see www.reelrock.co.uk.
Highlights of the 2018 film selection include:
Queen Maud Land
Six elite climbers, one of the world’s last climbing frontiers. On a wild expedition to Antarctica, Jimmy Chin and Conrad Anker tackle a new route on the 3,600-foot Ulvetanna; Savannah Cummins and Anna Pfaff summit the towering Holtanna; and Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright make a harrowing and hilarious blitz of 13 different spires spread across the ice field, including one pitch that Honnold calls “the scariest I have ever led.” Queen Maud Land, the name of this icy region, showcases the suffering and vision needed to climb at the bottom of the world.
Photo © Cedar Wright
Age of Ondra
Every so often an athlete comes along who redefines their sport. Late last year Adam Ondra established a benchmark for climbing: a 5.15d in Norway he dubbed Silence. On the heels of this ascent, we follow Adam from his home in the Czech Republic, across Europe to North America, as he
innovates new training methods, establishes upper echelon first ascents, and attempts to be the first person to send 5.15 on the first try. Age of Ondra is a rare, intimate journey with one of the greatest athletes at the peak of his powers.
Photo © Tim Banfield
2018’s Reel Rock Film Tour dates and venues are:
• 13-14 November Bristol, Redgrave Theatre
• 13 November Manchester, Manchester Climbing Centre
• 13 November Reading, Reading Climbing Centre
• 14 November Dublin, Trinity College, Hamilton Building
• 14 November Galway, O’Flaherty Theatre, NUIG
• 15 November Penrith, Rheged Centre
• 16 November Caernarfon, Galeria
• 17 November Matlock Bath, Grand Pavilion
• 18 November Harrogate, Harrogate Climbing Centre
• 18 November Sheffield, Abbey Picture House
• 22 November London, Conway Hall
• 23 November Birmingham, Crescent Theatre
• 26-28 November London, Conway Hall
• 28 November Ilkley, Ilkley Cinema
• 27 December Newcastle, Tyneside Cinema
More dates to be announced soon!